GRACE

    I've said it before, but I LOVE searching for pics to capture the essence of my post.  How appropriate when I found this one which I would title - A Handful of Grace.  Here is the definition of grace as a verb - to favor or honor as to grace an occasion with one's presence.  Synonyms: glorify, elevate, exalt
   To grace an occasion with one's presence - I LOVE that because true grace comes from  "One's presence."  When He gives us His Grace we have been brought into His presence.  That is a whole new concept for me.  
    I have a sweet young friend whose middle name is Grace.  She would tell you that God has showered her with his Grace over & over.  We have a grand-daughter who's middle name is Grace - given before we knew of her "spunky" personality.  There are days I think, "Oh Lord, is she gonna need Your Grace !"   But often we ALL need much more than a handful of His Grace.
     One of my favorite authors, Lysa TerKeurst shared this quote the other day - ...we sing about “amazing grace” and speak of “amazing grace,” but far too often it has ceased to amaze us. —Sinclair Ferguson   That thought should grieve our hearts.  I challenge you to put a 3x5 card up where you will see it through out the day that says AMAZING GRACE on it (and if you dare write these words under it - that saved a wretch like me !)
  Do you remember seeing this video of a 7 year old girl singing Amazing Grace? Rhema Marvanne
In the New Testament there are 113 verses containing the word grace. Here are 3 of my favorite.

Acts 20:24 - However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the 

race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—

the task of

testifying to 

the good news of God’s grace.  

Ephesians 2:8 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—NOT by works, so that no one can boast.

2 Corinthians 12:9 - But He (the Lord)  said to me (Paul), "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about 

my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

     For those of you who have joined me recently, please know that when I share, it is not out of condemnation.  Most often I have been convicted by the Lord in these areas of my life and though I may be "the only one" who He is speaking to, I share hoping to encourage others who may need to seek His Wisdom & Grace.  In anything & everything I speak to in my posts, there is above all His GRACE for every situation.  When we are headed in the wrong direction according to His Word, He shows us our sin and offers Grace to cover it, if we will turn from it and toward Him.  Condemnation is not for a sinner SAVED by GRACE of which I am one.

image: surrendermarriage.org